Don’t Let World Cup Fever Kick Off a Scam
Security
With the big event in progress, excitement is high. Scammers know it.
Seattle is an official host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all six matches taking place at Lumen Field. Big events bring big demand for tickets, travel deals, team gear, and watch-party plans. And fake offers are almost certainly blending in with the real ones.
“Can’t-miss” deals can be hard to resist (and harder to verify)
Ticket scams are one of the biggest things to watch for. Fraudsters may post super-appealing deals for World Cup matches, concerts, festivals, or other summer events on social media or other marketplaces. The listing may look legitimate, but after you send payment, the tickets never arrive (or they turn out to be fake).
Protect yourself: Buy tickets directly from the official event website, venue, or a trusted ticket platform that offers buyer protection. Be cautious with sellers who pressure you to act fast, ask you to pay outside the platform, or offer prices that seem far below what you’d expect to pay.
Travel and fan gear
Aside from tickets, travel scams can also increase around major events. Scammers may advertise fake vacation rentals, discounted flights, hotel packages, or transportation deals near host cities. Before booking, make sure the website is legitimate; read reviews from multiple sources; and avoid clicking links from unexpected emails, texts, or social media ads.
In addition, fake websites may copy popular brands and promote deep discounts on jerseys and fan gear. Before you enter payment information, check the web address carefully. Watch for misspellings, odd-looking links, or websites that don’t feel quite right.
Play defense, and protect your wallet
This summer and always, remember these tips to keep scammers away from your wallet:
- Whenever possible, use secure payment methods, such as a credit card or trusted digital wallet, which may offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps.
- Never share your online banking username, password, one-time passcode, or account information with a seller.
- Don’t cave to pressure. A great deal should not come with pressure or confusion. If a ticket, trip, or online bargain feels rushed, cheap, or hard to verify, stop before you pay.
A few extra minutes of caution can help protect your money, your accounts, and your plans.
